Geographical and Archaeological Studies

Study environmental change, policy, systems, information systems and remote sensing in this BSc degree.

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Geographical and Archaeological Studies 

Teaching and research in Geography closely engages with the southern African region while drawing on broad theoretical frameworks and global matters such as climate change, environmental policy and development agendas.

An undergraduate degree in Geography provides grounding in:

  • Earth Systems - from climate studies and meteorology, to earth surface processes, to earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems. 
  • Environmental Change - from land degradation to environmental management. 
  • Environmental Policy - including global and national environmental agendas, shortfalls and policy implementation. 
  • Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing - foundation courses in GIS and Remote Sensing are carried out in our GIS labs during the second and third years of study.
  • Human Society - looking at economic development, climate and society, cultural geography, food security and urban dynamics.

In addition to course work, research forms an important basis for learning in Geography. Students will embark on group fieldwork and independent research and field trips take place throughout the programme.

South Africa’s archaeological record is particularly rich. It covers a period of over two million years, starting with the first toolmakers. Archaeology is a dynamic subject that grows with each new discovery or technological advance. As a prospective archaeologist, you will learn about the origins of humans, rock art and the evolution of technology from the Stone Age to the present. Fieldwork takes you to some of South Africa’s best archaeological sites.

Honours study

Follow your BSc undergraduate degree with an Honours degree, one-year (full-time) and specialise in a field that will allow you to follow your passion in the career of your choice.

Career Opportunities

Science background

  • Environmental Assessment
  • Urban and Rural Development
  • Climate Change and Carbon Credit
  • Biodiversity Conservation
  • Hydrology
  • Ecosystem Services
  • Food Security
  • Meteorology and Weather Forecasting
  • Geomorphology
  • Tourism development
  • Water or Aquatic Resources Management.

Humanities background

  • Biodiversity Conservationist
  • Climate Change analyst
  • Environmental consultant
  • Food Security policy analyst
  • Geomorphologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Market Researcher
  • Meteorologist / Weather Forecaster
  • Property Developer
  • Urban planner
  • Rural development strategist
  • Tourism officer
  • Water or Aquatic Resources Manager

Curriculum

First-year

Geography

AND

Archaeology

AND

Auxiliary Mathematics OR Mathematics I (Major): Algebra I, Calculus I

AND

Any other Level I course

Recommended courses:

  • Chemistry
  • Geology

Second-year

Geography (four courses)

  • Earth and Atmospheric Processes
  • Methods, Models and Geographical Information Systems
  • Thinking Geographically: Concepts and Practices in Human Geography
  • Environmental Governance: From Local to Global OR Conservation Biogeography

AND

Archaeology

AND

Any other Level II major depending on other course sets

Third-year

Geography

Four courses from:

  • Food: Security, Politics and Culture
  • Climate and Environmental Change
  • Economic Geography
  • Environmental Monitoring and Modelling
  • Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
  • Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and Sustainable Development
  • Urban Futures: The Political-Economy of Population and Scarcity
  • Coastal Geomorphology
  • Advanced Atmospheric Sciences

AND/OR

Archaeology

AND/OR

Any other Level III major depending on other course sets

NB: 

All eight Geography III courses may be taken for a double major in Geography

Entry Requirements

APS 42+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with 40-41 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

National Benchmark Test

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies. 

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.